The Past, Present & Future of Bristol & Aerospace

Bristol has a lot on offer: great architecture, a historical harbour, beautiful nearby countryside, great cider and a funny accent. But this sleepy city is also home to a thriving industry, an industry that literally keeps the entire Globe connected – aerospace! The relationship between aerospace and Bristol is something the city couldn’t be more proud of. From the pioneering of some of the worlds first planes, to the marvel of the Concorde throughout the late 20th century to the co-creation of future airliners, Bristol has been at the forefront of aerospace technology for over 100 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Bristol Aerospace: A Brief History So, how did Bristol become such an important home of the aerospace industry? The Bristol Aeroplane Company, (originally known as British & Colonial) was founded in 1910 by George White, a young businessman who recognised that the aviation industry was in its infancy, and lacked a business-focused leader. He rapidly developed the company, leaving two sheds from Bristol Tramway at Filton, and investing in designs of early aeroplanes, putting Bristol to the forefront of the aviation movement. Bristol Flying Schools White also pioneered the first flying schools in the UK, making pilot training a more accessible career path – an absolute necessity for the industry to grow as a whole. The Bristol flying schools were located at Brooklands near London and Larkhill near the historical Stonehenge. Bristol Flight School A Fast Progression In it’s first year, the company produced the Bristol Bi Plane (also known as the Bristol BoxKite) a vehicle based on an earlier French model. The plane was a success and was sold around the globe. The subsequent 20 years of the company saw rapid advancements in aviation technology, with the company producing several notable airborne vehicles.

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